Mendocino County’s iconic winding roads wind through some of the most breathtaking scenery in California. On one side, the Pacific Ocean crashes along a coastline punctuated by sea caves and rugged rock formations. On the other, giant sequoias stretch from earth to sky. Amid this breathtaking landscape, visitors will find quaint small towns, vineyards, sparsely populated beaches, and unique activities like rail biking through a vast redwood forest. If you’re ready to plan a visit, here are my picks for the best things to do in Mendocino County.
Ride the Skunk Train or rail bike through a redwood forest
The Skunk Train offers a unique way to experience the majesty of Mendocino County’s legendary redwoods. The historic railroad dates back to 1885, when it was established to haul timber. Today, the train transports visitors through a redwood forest filled with wildlife like eagles and deer. They also offer an electric rail bike experience along the same route. The bikes are specially designed so riders can sit flat on the rails and pedal. A basket in the back provides space for a backpack or picnic basket. Pedal assist allows riders to glide or get a little workout. Both the train and rail bikes stop at Glenn Blair Junction, where walking trails, picnic tables and games like cornhole await.
Visit some of California’s most relaxing wineries
If you yearn for the old days when wine tasting fees were a fraction of what they are in Napa and the owner or winemaker was happy to talk to you about the wine, you’re in luck at Anderson Valley. Anderson Valley produces some of the best Chardonnays and Pinots in California. Notable wineries to add to your itinerary include Navarro Vineyard and Winery, Bee Hunter Wine, and Toulouse Vineyards. Check the websites of the wineries on your list before visiting, as some require an appointment.
Spend time on magical beaches
There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in California, but for truly distinctive stretches of sand, head to Mendocino County. Perhaps the most famous beach in the region is Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. Once a place for locals to throw their trash, the beach is now a repository for smooth, colorful glass pebbles that brighten up the shoreline.
Lesser known, but just as unique, Bowling Ball Beach in Point Arena is a geological wonder. Over millions of years, erosion has created smooth, round concretions that resemble bowling balls lying on the sand. Be sure to visit at low tide, when the “bowling balls” are most visible.
Discover small towns that look like a postcard
The charming small communities of Mendocino County are filled with beautiful architecture, galleries, boutiques and great restaurants. The town of Mendocino looks like something out of a painting with Victorian architecture and box cottages perched above the ocean. A stroll along Main Street leads to discoveries like the fine art at Prentice Gallery or the cats that call Gallery Bookshop and Bullwinkle’s Children’s Books home, among others.
In Fort Bragg, the sidewalks are lined with pubs, breweries, candy stores, and fresh seafood from places like Princess Seafood, where the fish is pulled fresh from the sea. Most of the wineries are located in and around Philo and Boonville, where the rolling hills provide a beautiful backdrop for wine tasting.
Stroll through a botanical garden.
The 47-acre Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a wonderland of canyons, bluffs, wetlands and forests. This landscape is home to a diverse array of plants, including more than 125 different species of rhododendrons and heirloom rose varieties from the 19th century. The garden is open year-round, and there’s something new to see in every season. .
Find it: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens 18220 North Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-4352
Drive through a famous tree
The Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree is 300 feet tall, 70 feet in circumference, and over 2,000 years old. The awe-inspiring coastal redwood contains an opening large enough for most vehicles to drive through. Located in Leggett’s Drive-Thru Tree Park, there is an entrance fee of $15 for vehicles or $10 for hikers or bikers.
Stay a night (or longer)
For luxury travelers, The Inn at Newport Ranch is in the heart of a working cattle ranch and a 2,000-acre nature preserve. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the enchanting estate includes towering redwoods, sea caves, and stunning vistas in every direction. The amenities are no less unique, with cozy luxury appointments made of natural materials including wood and stone and a culinary program worth checking out.
You’ll also find a wealth of affordable accommodations, like the Beachcomber Hotel and Spa on the Beach , which combines motel-style rooms with kitchenettes with unexpected amenities like spa services, private decks and ocean views. Elsewhere in Mendocino County, you’ll find plenty of unique options, ranging from the yurts and cottages at the clothing-optional Orr Hot Springs to camping at Mendocino Magic , a 1,500-acre campground with a private lake.
Tamara Gane lives in Reno/Lake Tahoe. She takes dozens of trips a year and shares the best destinations, accommodations, experiences, and travel gear with her readers.
